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DAIRY ST R “All dairy, all the time”™
Volume 20, No. 15
Dairy Revenue ProtecƟon enrollment begins Oct. 9 Program works alongside other assistance packages By Jennifer Coyne jenn@dairystar.com
For the rst time in the history of the industry, dairy farmers will have the opportunity to purchase commodity insurance for their milk. Enrollment for the Dairy Revenue Protection begins Oct. 9. “Dairy farmers need as many tools in their toolbox as possible, and we believe we’re providing another useful one,” John Newton said. Newton is the chief economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation. Prior to the passing of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, there was a $20 million per scal year capacity to support livestock insurance plans under the Federal Crop Insurance Act. In removing the monetary Turn to DRP | Page 5
September 22, 2018
“It’s denitely hard knowing you’re going into a losing battle, but I knew what I was facing.” – Mitchell Mehrwerth
Making the right decision
Mehrwerth gets start in industry By Jennifer Coyne jenn@dairystar.com
SAUK RAPIDS, Minn. – As Mitchell Mehrwerth lls the holding pen with dairy cattle and prepares for evening milking, he is humbled by the work he does. “I’ve always wanted to do something bigger than myself,” Mehrwerth said. “I like helping people and being able to help feed the world.” Mehrwerth, 25, milks 55 cows on a rented farm site in Benton County near Sauk Rapids, Minn. The herd consists of primarily Holsteins, along with a few Jerseys and Holstein-Brown Swiss crossbreds. Dairy farming is a career Mehrwerth envisioned for himself many years ago. “I met a girl in ninth grade whose parents dairy farmed,” Mehrwerth said. “I spent a lot of my time helping on her farm, and that’s when dairying really Turn to MEHRWERTH | Page 6
JENNIFER COYNE/DAIRY STAR
Mitchell Mehrwerth milks 55 cows on a rented farm site in Benton County near Sauk Rapids, Minn. The 25-year-old began dairy farming in March 2017.
Miller advocates for blood donations National shortage prompts need for donors By Danna Sabolik
danna.s@dairystar.com
KAYLA LEIDING/DAIRY STAR
The Millers – (from leŌ) Melendy, Stacy, Julie, Mika and Markus – dairy farm near Plainview, Minn. Stacy Miller has donated blood since he was in his 20s, and encourages his family to do the same.
PLAINVIEW, Minn. – Routine is a part of Stacy Miller’s life, whether that is in the barn, with his family or in his community. Aside from dairy farming, Miller is also a regular blood donor. “It was a suggestion from my dad,” Miller said. “In high school, we did blood typing, and I found out that my blood type was a rare one so my dad suggested that I donate.”
Miller milks 80 cows with his wife, Julie, daughters, Melendy, 20, and Mika, 18, and son, Markus, 18, near Plainview, Minn. The dairy farmer began donating in his early 20s and continues donating yet today. It’s not always an easy thing to do,” Miller said. “The farming has to come rst.” Miller has reminders set Turn to DONATE | Page 7